Grammy-nominated artist to headline Academic Decathlon benefit

Conejo Valley's Troop Real Estate CARE (Community Awareness Realtors Engaged) Team presents a musical fundraiser featuring internationally acclaimed 2007 Grammynominated recording artist, composer and producer Freddie Ravel and his Tune Up to Success motivational program.

The event, which benefits Moorpark High School's awardwinning Academic Decathlon Team, is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 29 with a silent auction at 6 p.m. and performance at 7 p.m. in the school's Performing Arts Center, 4500 Tierra Rejada Road.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating , which includes a backstage reception with Ravel and the aca deca students. For tickets, call (805) 312-5511.

Other event lead sponsors include Troop Graphics/Marketing, the Acorn Newspapers, KHAY, Keyboard Concepts, Homes & Land Magazine, Moorpark Country Club, CFC Mortgage Bankers, William Lyon Homes, Inc., J.D. Powers, Pardee Homes, First Automotive Group, and 007 Agent magazine.

Troop's CARE Team is led by Liz Puliti, Judy Beasley and Francine Simmons. For a preview of the program, visit www .tuneuptosuccess.com.

The intention of Tune Up To Success is to inspire and entertain while giving the audience a new prospective on raising human potential through the metaphor and music. This performance appeals to all ages from teens to adults to business executives.

Ravel's 20-plus years as a composer, producer, live performer and recording artist include his piano solo in Madonna's remix of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina." He has collaborated with performers such as Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Bobby McFerrin, and live performances with Prince and Herbie Hancock.

The success of Ravel's motivational program recently gained him a position on Jack Canfield's Transformational Leadership Council. Ravel recently produced and co-wrote the title track, "Givin It Up" for George Benson and Al Jarreau.

Under the leadership Coach Larry Jones, Academic Decathlon Team has won numerous awards in the county, state and national competitions.

In 2001-2002 the team won the Ventura County competition, the California State Finals, and placed second overall at the USAD National Championship.

In 2002-2003, the team won the county, state and national championships. In the last competition, the team took first place at the county level, third place at the state level and is the first team to score 100 percent on the Super Quiz at state.

This year's team consists of John Buck, Christie Calle, Collin Calle, Anaamika Campeau, Angela Chen, Heidi Elneil, Kari Geiger, John Grasel, Kelly Klimaszewski, Justine Levan, Aubrey McClure, Neil Paik, Chrissa Rutkai, Kris Sankaran and Paul Watanabe.